Burundi announces first polio outbreak in more than 30 years — Global Issues

Burundi announces first polio outbreak in more than 30 years — Global Issues

Heath authorities said there was a confirmed case in an unvaccinated four-year-old child in Isale district, in western Burundi, as well as two other children with whom he had been in contact “Additionally, five samples from environmental surveillance of wastewater confirmed the presence of the circulating poliovirus type 2”, said…

Cocaine trafficking surges following COVID-19-related slowdown — Global Issues

Cocaine trafficking surges following COVID-19-related slowdown — Global Issues

“The surge in the global cocaine supply should put all of us on high alert,” UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly said. “The potential for the cocaine market to expand in Africa and Asia is a dangerous reality.” Sky high supply and demand Criminal networks are now diversifying with alarming results…

Embrace green tech revolution or risk falling behind, new UN report warns — Global Issues

Embrace green tech revolution or risk falling behind, new UN report warns — Global Issues

“We are at the beginning of a technological revolution based on green technologies,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said. “This new wave of technological change will have a formidable impact on the global economy.” The 17 frontier technologies covered in UNCTAD’s Technology and Innovation Report 2023 have the potential to create…

More than two years on, impact of Myanmar military coup ‘devastating’ — Global Issues

More than two years on, impact of Myanmar military coup ‘devastating’ — Global Issues

Now in its third year, Noeleen Heyzer said that “the impact of the military takeover on the country and its people, has been devasting.” She thanked Member States for renewing the resolution for the continuation of her mandate and support for an “all-stakeholder approach in promoting a Myanmar-led process, reflective…

UN Security Council reaffirms strong support for the Libyan people — Global Issues

UN Security Council reaffirms strong support for the Libyan people — Global Issues

As the oil-rich North African nation continues to be ravaged by instability and clashes between rival authorities and armed groups, the Council’s statement outlined some of its pressing concerns. Libyan-owned process Members reaffirmed their strong commitment to an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the UN and supported…

UN steps up support to Malawi following deadly cyclone — Global Issues

UN steps up support to Malawi following deadly cyclone — Global Issues

The storm – which has been raging since 6 February – made landfall for a second time on the African continent over the weekend, barreling into Malawi on Monday, and strong winds and torrential rains continue to cause extensive damage and loss of life in 10 districts.  Weather hampering efforts…

Governments must do more to protect human rights defenders: Expert — Global Issues

Governments must do more to protect human rights defenders: Expert — Global Issues

In a report to the Human Rights Council, Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor, said that “States can and should do more to protect defenders”. She stressed that 25 years after States agreed on a Declaration to promote and protect the work of human rights defenders, their contributions were often ignored. The expert who champions…

Attacks by armed groups displace more than 100,000 in DR Congo — Global Issues

Attacks by armed groups displace more than 100,000 in DR Congo — Global Issues

Citing humanitarian sources, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said more than 50,000 people displaced from the town of Rutshuru found safety in Kibirizi.  Some 55,000 people from Masisisi territory fled to nearby villages, as well as to the regional capital, Goma, and towards Minova in neigbouring South Kivu province.  Children on…

Urgent investment needed to improve conditions for key workers: ILO — Global Issues

Urgent investment needed to improve conditions for key workers: ILO — Global Issues

“In a number of countries, key sectors are facing labour shortages, because people are increasingly reluctant to engage in work which is not properly, adequately, fairly valued by society and rewarded in terms of better pay and improved working conditions,” said Manuela Tomei, Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights and Dialogue at the International Labour Organization…